Can you help identify this bug ! - Ask Extension
This thing is WEIRD! About 3/8" long. It has a tan and brown shell with hairs coming out around the bottom in a fringe. Quite active. I have a short v...
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Can you help identify this bug ! #615506
Asked March 03, 2020, 2:05 PM EST
This thing is WEIRD! About 3/8" long. It has a tan and brown shell with hairs coming out around the bottom in a fringe. Quite active. I have a short video of it moving around and shaking it's hairy tail.
Marion County Oregon
Expert Response
I'd like to see the video. Please upload it.
Where did you find the critter?How many were there?
I look forward to receiving your response.
This critter is a very small millipedes (a Polyxenus species) which normally lives on trees outdoors. If you have just one, it may have hitchhiked indoors on someone's clothing. Or, if you've had an "invasion," it's may be due to firewood that was recently brought indoors. Another potential source is a tree quite near the house that is also near a vent, such as from a bathroom, or a window.
The good news is that these millipedes don't damage anything indoors. No need to spray. If it's indoors, take it outdoors.
I was waiting for your video because it would help rule out a similar looking insect -- a dermestid beetle larva (youngster). This particular insect damages fabrics. If you havae just one, it's unlikely to be a problem but, if you have more, it would be wise to search for the "food" - fur; wools; silks.
